During pregnancy, regular checkups are very important to monitor the journey closely. Because sometimes, pregnancy can come with rare risks, known as ectopic pregnancies. This happens when a fertilized egg grows outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube (tubes along which eggs travel from the ovaries to the uterus). 

Since this tube isn’t developed to carry a growing baby, it can cause serious complications such as internal bleeding. One should know that ectopic pregnancy doesn’t develop into a normal pregnancy and can cause various complications. Some common signs of ectopic pregnancy may include sharp abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, dizziness, or shoulder pain. If you ever experience these symptoms, seek your doctor’s help immediately.

Read this article to understand comprehensive information about ectopic pregnancy: causes, symptoms & treatment.

What is an Ectopic Pregnancy?

An ectopic pregnancy happens when a fertilized egg grows outside the uterus. In this type of pregnancy case, the growth generally occurs in a fallopian tube instead of the womb. This pregnancy cannot be normal and can be dangerous for the mother, often leading to pain, bleeding, and needing urgent medical care to prevent serious complications.

Ectopic pregnancy is also known  as:

• Extrauterine pregnancy (EUP)
• Tubal pregnancy
• Cornual pregnancy
• Ovarian ectopic pregnancy
• Interstitial pregnancy
• Heterotopic pregnancy

The Other Sites of Ectopic Pregnancy

As you know, ectopic pregnancy generally happens in the fallopian tube, but there are other regions where it can also happen, such as:

• Ovary
• Cervix (parts of the uterus that open into the vagina)
• Cesarean scar (an egg can implant in the scar from a past cesarean section)
• Cornua uteri (happens in the region where the fallopian tubes meet the uterine cavity)
• Heterotopic pregnancy (a normal pregnancy and an ectopic pregnancy in another place can happen at the same time)

What are the Causes of Ectopic Pregnancy

The main reason behind ectopic pregnancy is the conditions that hinder or block the movement of the egg down your fallopian tube. Meaning these conditions do not let eggs pass from the fallopian tubes to the uterus or womb.

Here are some common reasons:

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease 

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) or infections such as chlamydia or gonorrhea can block the fallopian tubes. This makes it challenging for an egg to reach the uterus , causing it to grow in the tube instead.

• History of Ectopic Pregnancy

A history of ectopic pregnancy before may increase the risk of another time, because the tubes may already be damaged from the past incident.

• Undergone Tubal Surgery

Surgeries such as sterilization or tube repairs may leave scars or alter the shape of the tubes. This causes an egg to get stuck, and implantation may happen outside the womb.

• Endometriosis

It is a condition in which cells similar to the lining of the womb, or endometrium, develop outside the uterus (possibly on or near the tubes). This can block or affect regular egg movement.

• Use of an Intrauterine Device (IUD)

It is a rare scenario; however, if a pregnancy occurs with an IUD in place, it’s more likely to be ectopic. Because an IUD can make it difficult for the egg to implant in the womb.

• Fertility Treatments 

Fertility procedures like IVF  can increase the likelihood of eggs entering the tube instead of the womb. This could happen, especially when many embryos are transferred at once.

• Smoking

Smoking can damage the small hair-like cells in the tubes that help move the egg. This slows the egg movement and increases the risk of it implanting in the wrong place.

• Birth Defects of the Tube

Some women are born with congenital tubal abnormalities (abnormally shaped fallopian tubes). This causes an egg to get stuck on its journey to the destination (womb).

The Ectopic Pregnancy Symptoms

The symptoms can be very similar to normal pregnancy, but additional signs can be there, which is why regular doctor’s visits are so important. 

Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy generally develop between the 4th and 12th weeks of pregnancy. Some of the signs of ectopic pregnancy are:

1. Vaginal bleeding (a bit different from your regular period)
2. Tummy pain (low down on one side)
3. Shoulder tip pain
4. Discomfort when peeing
5. Symptoms of a fallopian tube rupture (sharp, sudden, and intense pain in your tummy, low blood pressure, bowel problems)

Note: Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy is generally common and isn’t necessarily a sign of a serious issue. Hence, go to your doctor for a proper diagnosis.

How Common is Ectopic Pregnancy?

Ectopic pregnancies are rare scenarios that may occur in about 2% of all pregnancies.

The Ectopic Pregnancy Treatments

Sadly, the developing embryo or fetus cannot be saved in an ectopic pregnancy. The treatment aims to remove the pregnancy before it grows too large.

The primary treatment options are:

• Expectant Management

If the pregnancy is very small and hormone levels are dropping, the healthcare professional may just observe and wait with regular blood tests and ultrasounds. They hope that the pregnancy will dissolve by itself on its own without treatment.

• Medicine

If an ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed early, but active monitoring isn’t possible. A medicine known as methotrexate is administered as an injection. This stops the pregnancy cells from growing and lets the body reabsorb the tissue naturally over time. There is no need for surgery if this works.

• Surgery

If the pregnancy becomes too large, your doctor may consider surgery known as keyhole surgery (laparoscopy). This open surgery helps remove the ectopic pregnancy and sometimes the damaged portion of the fallopian tube.

Conclusion

Ectopic pregnancy can be life-threatening if not detected and treated immediately. It may lead to many complications, including severe bleeding. Yes, pregnancy is a beautiful journey, and to enjoy it to the fullest, regular monitoring and following your doctor’s advice are necessary. Some of the preventive measures that are in your hands are getting infection treatment, quitting smoking, and getting early scans and checkups if you have risk factors or symptoms.

FAQs

• When does ectopic pregnancy pain start?

Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy, including pain, usually begin between the 4th and 12th weeks of pregnancy. It may feel like sharp or constant pain on one side of your lower belly as the tube bleeds or stretches.

• What are signs of ectopic pregnancy?

Early signs of ectopic pregnancy include:

• light bleeding
• pelvic or shoulder pain
• dizziness

It may also lead to tummy discomfort and fainting in case of internal bleeding.

• Can an ectopic pregnancy be saved?

Unfortunately, the pregnancy is unable to be successful and cannot be saved because the embryo grows outside the womb.

• Is an ectopic pregnancy a miscarriage?

No, ectopic pregnancy and a miscarriage are very different. In “ miscarriage”, pregnancy begins in the uterus but ends early, whereas “ectopic” means the pregnancy never reached the womb or uterus.

• How many weeks can an ectopic pregnancy survive?

Most do not last beyond 6 to 10 weeks, as the developing embryo eventually bursts the tube or stops developing naturally.